"Those who forget history are destined to repeat it." This statement has been used so many times, by so many people, that it has become a cliché. Unfortunately, with the actions of the District 97 School Board last week, it still rings true.

Last night I attended the District 97 school board meeting, which would determine the actions that would be taken by the Superintendent Collins and the school board concerning the Oak Park elementary schools as they once again try to balance a budget deficit on the backs of the students.

The majority of the District 97 school board shows great unwillingness to hear what members of the community attending the meetings feel: that teacher cuts should always come AFTER other extracurricular programs have been cut to save funds.

There will be a Green Party candidate on the ballot March 21, but it won't be me. Tim Curtin will be running for Green Party committeeperson for Oak Park Township and people who are willing to make a statement for real democracy will need to ask for a Green Party ballot in order to vote for Tim.

The election of a intelligent, experienced, fair and ethical person as a judge to the Circuit Court of Cook County makes a significant difference in how well our judicial system operates and serves its citizens. Michael Howlett Jr. is such a person. He deserves your vote on March 21, as a Democratic candidate for the Circuit Court of Cook County.

Eight years ago when River Foresters passed a referendum for District 90 schools, voters strongly expressed a desire for improved accountability-in finances, academic programs and student achievement. All involved with the schools heard that message and consistently worked to document how tax dollars are being spent, on whom and for what purposes.

As the parents of a child with developmental challenges, we believe that our River Forest public schools are a point of pride in the community, since they make every effort to get it right for children with varying needs.

I am glad that Mr. Dwyer "broke" the StopTopinka.com story. He is correct that it reflects on the intense political/social struggle within the Republican Party. But why is the story incomplete? (And will this letter escape the editor's cut?)

Oak Park's reputation as a "Democrat" community is well documented. Less known, however, is that there is a semi-significant number of Republican voters in Oak Park, too. For example, in the 2000 Presidential election, George W. Bush obtained nearly 6,000 votes from Oak Park.

Sylvan Learning Center is expanding their curriculum to include elementary lego robotics and coding. Using our scripted curricula, we seek an energetic, fun, reliable individual to lead classes and respond to families. This is a non-technical...